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In a landmark move set to reshape West Africa’s digital infrastructure landscape, MTN Nigeria, in partnership with Dell Technologies, has officially launched the Dabengwa Data Centre—Nigeria’s largest prefabricated modular Tier III facility. Designed to drive digital transformation, the state-of-the-art centre integrates robust cloud capabilities, advanced energy optimisation, and scalable enterprise solutions.
The $150 million investment underscores MTN’s broader ambition to evolve into a digital-first technology company, while positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for data localisation, digital innovation, and sovereign cloud services.
Revolutionising Enterprise IT Infrastructure
Located in Lagos, the data centre leverages 96 prefabricated containers in its first phase, offering scalable, energy-efficient, and AI-optimised infrastructure that can support a wide array of industries—from fintech and healthcare to education and artificial intelligence.
The Dabengwa facility not only delivers secure cloud storage and computing power but also ensures compliance with local data regulations, supporting businesses in reducing latency, cutting costs, and protecting sensitive information.
“This is part of the digital foundation of Nigeria’s modern economy,” stated Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy. “Infrastructure like this allows us to keep value—and data—within our borders. It fosters sovereignty, trust, and national productivity.”
Empowering Nigeria’s Digital Future
The launch event drew high-level participation from federal and state officials, regulators, and industry leaders. Representing the Lagos State Governor, Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, praised the facility’s potential to empower youth-led innovation, stating that it “offers a platform for start-ups and developers to build and scale globally from Nigerian soil.”
MTN’s Executive Chairman, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, acknowledged the complexity and scale of the project, hailing it as a “significant milestone” in Nigeria’s digital advancement.
Dr. Karl Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria, described the data centre and accompanying cloud platform as “a representation of MTN’s commitment to technological progress in line with Nigeria’s digital policy agenda.”
He added that the project responds directly to the needs of businesses seeking high-performance, locally hosted digital infrastructure.
Regulatory Backing and Strategic Alignment
The initiative aligns with the federal government’s regulatory thrust on digital sovereignty. Under new data classification guidelines from the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), sensitive data—such as financial, health, and government records—must be stored locally. The Dabengwa Data Centre offers international and domestic cloud providers a compliant environment to meet these mandates.
Engr. Babagaba Digima, Deputy Director at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), who represented the Commission’s Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, commended MTN for its leadership in digital infrastructure. “This facility embodies our shared vision for a digitally empowered Nigeria,” he said, affirming the NCC’s ongoing support for secure, standards-based innovation.
Sustainability Meets Scalability
In line with global ESG standards, the data centre features AI-driven energy optimisation systems to manage workloads efficiently and reduce environmental impact. With the facility’s reliance on green energy and intelligent infrastructure, MTN is setting a benchmark for sustainable technology deployment in Africa.
Supporting Nigeria’s Tech Ecosystem
In tandem with the launch, MTN announced the upcoming MTN Cloud Accelerator Program—an initiative aimed at equipping Nigerian startups with the tools and mentorship needed to scale innovative digital solutions.
“This isn’t just another accelerator,” said Lynda Saint-Nwafor, Chief Enterprise Business Officer at MTN Nigeria. “It’s designed to empower the Nigerian tech ecosystem, offering training, cloud credits, and access to MTN’s new platform built in Africa for the world.”
A Catalyst for Economic Growth
Nigeria’s data centre market is projected to grow from 136.7MW in 2025 to 279.4MW by 2030, representing a CAGR of 15.37%. Over $630 million has already been committed by operators to expand infrastructure nationwide. With the launch of the Dabengwa Data Centre, MTN has further solidified its role as a catalyst for this growth—contributing to job creation, foreign investment, and digital inclusion.
As Nigeria advances toward becoming a regional digital powerhouse, the Dabengwa Data Centre stands as a strategic asset—driving innovation, enabling compliance, and fostering digital independence.
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